In this declaration, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) welcomed the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) while reaffirming NATO's primary role in the collective defense of EU members. The EU and NATO "declared that their relationship will be founded on the principles of: (1) partnership; (2) effective mutual consultation, dialogue, cooperation and transparency; (3) equality and due regard for the EU's and NATO's decision-making autonomy and interests; (4) respect for the EU and NATO Member States' interest; (5) respect for the principles of the U.N. Charter; and (6) coherent, transparent and mutually reinforcing development of the common military capability requirements. With the view of upholding these principles, the EU pledged to ensure the "fullest possible involvement of non-EU European members of NATO within ESDP." (International Law in Brief, January 10, 2003)